Eight-year-old Paige Smith from Mount Manuganui likes to spend a lot of time upside-down at gymnastics.

Paige has ADHD and autism traits, said her mother, Karleen Taylor, 38.

Her daughter practises twice a week for an hour in organised gymnastics classes.

“She doesn’t really focus much, but you see a different Paige at gymnastics,” Taylor said.

Thanks to Hell Pizza’s Satan’s Little Helper charity programme, Paige is able to practice her gymnastics at home.

“It is a joy to watch,” said Taylor.

Smith said she was nominated by Hell Pizza’s charity programme to support her daughter.

Hell Pizza launched the programme in 2013 with the aim of supporting young New Zealanders facing significant challenges by providing tailored assistance.

Smith said Hell Pizza sent her a balance beam, a Squishmallow soft toy, a bean bag, a letter to Paige and a $50 pizza voucher.

““I didn’t expect our nomination to be accepted,” Taylor said.

The balance beam lets Paige practise her gymnastics at home and burn off energy, while her bean bag allows Paige to have a break from the world, Smith said.

Paige has been officially diagnosed with ADHD and only tested for autism. Smith said she’s still on an 18-month waiting list to get confirmation.

Taylor said she got her daughter tested after her teachers suggested she was struggling at school.

“We got the relief of finally having a diagnosis, but with that came the possibility of having autism.

“We only got her diagnosed because of the troubles at school.”

Paige takes medication, something that Taylor had been hesitant about, as she feared she would lose her daughter in the process.

But she said Paige has started to do better at school and was doing well with her reading and concentration.

Taylor was learning more about her daughter’s diverse needs, reading books and participating in like-minded social media groups.

“I’m learning everything as we go.”

For more information on ADHD or autism, people can reach out to the below support lines:

For ADHD, contact ADHD NZ at 0800 ADHD (0800 234 243) or email support@adhd.org.nz.

For autism, Autism NZ can be reached at 0800 AUTISM (0800 288 476) or  info@autismnz.org.nz.

Additionally, Lifeline Aotearoa is available at 0800 LIFELINE (0800 543 354) or by texting HELP (4357).